From Doubt to Discipline
Building Real Confidence with a Handgun
I spent years carrying a service pistol as a Green Beret. For most of my career, that handgun was the Beretta 92FS or M9. I was trained, qualified, and expected to be an expert. On paper, I was. But if I’m honest, I didn’t feel truly confident in my handgun handling.
I could pass the standard. I could do what was required. But underneath, there was a quiet doubt. I knew I was leaning more on familiarity than genuine mastery. I wrestled with imposter syndrome, wondering if I was really as capable as people thought I was.
For a long time, I kept that to myself. Eventually, a few trusted peers saw past the surface and helped me face it. They pushed me toward the right kind of training, a true growth mindset, and the disciplined repetitions I’d been avoiding. That’s when things changed.
It stopped being the Army’s fault. It stopped being the pistol’s fault, or the ammo’s fault. I had to admit that I hadn’t been fully mindful of myself, my surroundings, or my approach. I had a bad mindset, even as a Green Beret.
As I approached retirement, I knew I wanted to teach others what I had learned the hard way: confidence with a handgun is not about ego. It’s about being comfortable in chaos, and having the clarity to respond to conflict appropriately and competently. It’s knowing you can perform when it matters, under stress, in confusion, and with lives on the line.
Real confidence doesn’t come from gear, bravado, or social media clips. It comes from consistent, focused work with an experienced, professional instructor who can help you see your blind spots and build good habits.
If you’re struggling with confidence in your handgun skills, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. What changed my life was choosing to face that doubt, train with intention, and surround myself with people who made me better.
That’s what I want to offer now—to those wearing a badge, carrying concealed, or simply wanting to be better prepared.
Confidence in gun handling is built, not bought. At OSS², we help you build it the right way.